If you’re a hospitality venue owner in the UK and have invested in an EV charger, great job - you’ve taken a valuable step to attract eco-conscious guests. Now, to make sure your EV charging amenity gets the attention it deserves, you may want to add it to your Google Maps listing.

It’s worth mentioning, however, this may not be for everyone. Adding your EV charger to Google Maps means you’re likely to attract EV drivers that want to charge their vehicles, and may not be staying at your venue. Sites such as pubs and tourist attractions will tend to want to try to attract this passing trade, while bed & breakfasts might prefer to keep their EV charger unlisted so it is only used by their paying guests.

But, given that VoltShare EV chargers generate the lion’s share of the profits from every charge to the venue owner, you might see the financial value in attracting non-guests, creating an additional revenue stream for your business, especially out of peak season.

Why add your EV charger to Google Maps?

Adding your EV charger to your Google Maps listing offers several benefits:

• Increase visibility: EV drivers often search for places to stay based on charging availability.
• Stay competitive: Offering an EV charger can help you stand out from other venues that don’t provide this feature.
• Highlight an enhanced guest experience: Guests can easily find and plan their stay with your B&B knowing they have access to convenient charging facilities.

Step 1: Log in to your Google Business Profile

1. Go to the Google Business Profile website: Visit business.google.com and log in using the Google account associated with your business listing.
2. Select Your business listing: If you manage multiple properties, select the specific B&B listing where you want to add the EV charger.‍

Note: If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, follow the prompts to create one. Make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any verification delays.

Step 2: Update Your Business Profile with the EV charger amenity

Once you’re in your business profile, follow these steps to add your EV charger:

1. Go to the “Info” tab:
   • In your Google Business Profile dashboard, find the “Info” section. This is where you’ll see details like your business address, hours, and categories.
2. Add “EV Charger” to your amenities
   • Scroll down to the “Highlights” or “Amenities” section of the Info tab.
   • If “EV Charger” is available as an option, select it and save. This will add it as a visible amenity to your listing.
   • As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, more travellers are actively seeking accommodation that caters to their charging needs. ‍

Tip: Google constantly updates amenities based on user feedback, so if you don’t see the “EV Charger” option, reach out to Google support. In the meantime, you can also use the business description to mention your EV charger.

Step 3: Add details in your Business Description (optional but recommended)

1. Go to the “Description” section:
   • In the same Info tab, scroll down to the “Description” section.
2. Mention your EV charging facility:
   • In your description, provide a brief note about your EV charger. For example, you might write, “Our B&B features an on-site EV charger for guests with electric vehicles, making it easy to charge up and explore the area.”
3. Save your changes.

Step 4: Upload photos of your EV charging point

1. Go to the “Photos” Tab:
   • From the main menu, select the “Photos” tab. Images help guests understand what to expect and create trust with potential visitors.
2. Upload photos of Your EV charger:
   • Take clear photos of the charger itself and its location on your property. Adding context, such as signage or nearby landmarks, can help guests find it more easily.
3. Label and describe your photos:
   • In the photo description, add details like “EV Charger located in guest parking area” or “Charging available for all major EV models.” This helps Google’s algorithm and your guests understand the facility better.

Step 5: Encourage guest reviews to highlight the EV charger

1. Request feedback from guests:
   • Politely ask guests who used the EV charger to mention it in their reviews. User feedback can boost the visibility of your listing, especially for travellers specifically looking for accommodations with EV charging facilities.
2. Respond to reviews:
   • Acknowledge and thank guests who mention the charger in their feedback. This shows potential guests that you’re attentive and value sustainable amenities.

Step 6: Monitor and update your listing

• Stay updated on Google’s features: Google frequently updates its listing features, so check back periodically to see if more specific EV charging details become available.
• Update photos and descriptions: As you add new amenities or upgrade your EV charger, update the listing to keep guests informed.

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Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues when trying to add your EV charger, here are a few steps you can take:

• Contact Google Support: Visit the Google Business Profile Help Centre and get assistance from Google’s team.
• Use Google Maps’ “Suggest an Edit” feature: If the option for EV chargers isn’t available in your amenities, try using the “Suggest an Edit” feature to recommend it as a business amenity. Google relies on user feedback to improve its offerings, so your input may help others as well.

Promote Your EV Charger beyond Google Maps

Once your EV charger is visible on Google Maps, make sure to promote it on other platforms, too:

• Website: Update your website to include information about the EV charger.
• Booking sites: Add it as an amenity on booking platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb.
• Social media: Post a photo of your new EV charger on your social media channels, especially if you have followers interested in green travel, and follow VoltShare’s Instagram.

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By following these steps, you can make sure that your B&B’s EV charger reaches potential guests effectively.

VoltShare is committed to helping business owners like you leverage technology to enhance guest experience and increase bookings.